At 61, I’ve Never Felt So Powerful or Motivated

It’s 2016, I’m 61 years old, and I’ve never felt so empowered, motivated, and excited about my future. Why is this happening? 

I think it’s because older people are more aware of their mortality. Like Mark Twain said, nothing focuses a man’s mind better than the prospect of being hanged in the morning. Do you feel it? That sense that the clock is ticking, and damn the rules, you’re gonna go for it, whatever “it” is. A hobby, a new career, moving to a cave in the desert to think without distractions.

All my life, I’ve had three dreams: write, play the piano, and learn Spanish. But a few years ago, I decided I’ll never do the last two, and that’s okay. A person can only do so much, I rationalized. I’m happy without them.

But then, right around Thanksgiving, the Impulse Fairy visited me.

On the spur of the moment, I threw a Hail Mary missive to our neighborhood network: any piano teachers out there? And one responded. Pianist Dave Tuvim laughed when I said I feared I was too old to learn. He has another novice student who’s 17 years older than me.

So now, I’m learning to read and play music. It’s so incredibly exciting and frustrating, in equal measure. Dave says to be patient, that I’m learning a new language.

I know what you’re thinking.

¿Cuándo vas a aprender a hablar español ?

My granddaughter on my new keyboard

I’m not the only one blooming. My friend, Sepi, who is my age, just wrote me this:

I have picked up Ballroom and Argentine Tango dancing. It seems I am really good at it and progressing rather quickly. I have done three shows and people enjoyed very much. I absolutely enjoy this hobby….I hope one day, I make it to the Ballroom competitions. I pray that I find a great dance partner! Also, traveled to Cuba, Spain, France and Italy and enjoyed taking ballroom classes in each of the cities. Pretty fun!

Sepi Richardson, former mayor of Brisbane, CA, and now, Tango fanatic.

My friend and mentor, Ray, who is 91, just published his 31st book and is negotiating the movie rights.

Ray Strait, Author

One more thing? I, along with a team of friends, am starting a writers’ guild in my town. Meetings, programs, dues, a board of directors, incorporation papers–the whole nine yards. Whatever that means. Every time I think about another little job I get to do, to launch that sucker on January 23, 2016, I have two emotional reactions: Fear that I’ll fail, and delight in the possibilities. Life is for the living. ¡Feliz año nuevo!